Day 04
...YOU GO TO THE POKEMON CENTER, RIGHT? The night before, my aunt Masami told me that she will be taking me to the Pokemon Center, Studio Ghibli's store, AND Jump Shop in Yokohama! For those of you who don't know what "Jump Shop" is, it is Shonen Jump's (yes, the manga company) store! The building that I am standing with is called the "Landmark Tower"--- the same very spot where my aunt Masami married my uncle, Namba-san about 13 years ago!
As I made my way through the mall (that I have been to a couple times before in previous visits), I had forgotten that the escalators there are curved to form half circles. They are very pleasing to look at and are a nice change of pace. I even spotted a beautiful piece of glass at the top of the 3rd floor-- the same one with my "otaku" shops! Japan's malls are so much bigger than the ones in the US. I found this interesting shirt-- who doesn't want a little rascal like Bart Simpson in their family?
Next was the Ghibli store! Time to hunt for my little sister's gifts since she LOVES Totoro to death and back (probably)! I picked something out for her and Masami happily took it so that it could be a gift from her-- made it hard to find another Totoro gift that she would like-- It took me a while, but I found them! I also got gifts for some other people like my "other imouto-chan" and whatnot~ ( ^ o^-) The ladies at the register were so nice-- they individually bagged all of the gifts and put little "official" stickers on them! It took them about 10 minutes, but they were very happy to hear that my "Friends in America will be very happy".
Right next door to the Ghibli store was the Jump Shop! One Piece (to no surprise), took up most of the store. It's #1 in Japan as far as anime and manga goes. Even if you don't care for it manga/anime, you know what it is and might even like it in Japan! unfortunately for me, they probably had the least ammount of Naruto stuff. (; v ;) I did find Katekyo Hitman Reborn (*cough*Luke*cough*), Ao no Exorcist, and GINTAMA stuff to buy~ I managed to pick a poster for Naruto that is slightly see through.
Afterwards, Masami and I went a grabbed a quick bite at McDonald's since we wanted to catch the 3o'clock train for home and it was already after 2. I had a "Crispy Chicken Burger"-- a lot like the McChicken in the US. The burgers here are actually prepared to look the way they're advertised! (excuse my small chubby hand~)
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For tonight's dinner, Masami prepared Teriyaki chicken! The side dish on the right is an egg pudding-- When I was younger, I had to practically bite my tongue to eat it, but this time I was able to eat it without making any faces!! Funny how taste buds change over time~ My cousins and I all ate together and soon after, watched Miyazaki's Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (lit. The Spiriting away of Sen and Chihiro), or as known in the US: Spirited Away. I honestly hadn't seen this movie since I first saw it when I was in 4th grade or so, but it was nice listening to the voices! I was compairing the English and Japanese voices in my head-- I actually enjoy Haku's (male lead) English voice over his Japanese voice. The English version actually did a good job at finding a voice match for Kamajii, the Boiler Room Spider-like operator.
Namba-san didn't make it home until 1am! I felt really sorry for him as everyone else was passed out before he got home. Masami passed out during the movie. Mireka clung to me like a baby koala during most of the movie-- so cute! Miriya was watching the movie/playing games on his handheld game system. Miina's eyes never left the tv screen XD She slowly crept to and from the tv screen while sitting though. I managed to make myself hop into the shower before bed. It was a long day for everyone!
As I made my way through the mall (that I have been to a couple times before in previous visits), I had forgotten that the escalators there are curved to form half circles. They are very pleasing to look at and are a nice change of pace. I even spotted a beautiful piece of glass at the top of the 3rd floor-- the same one with my "otaku" shops! Japan's malls are so much bigger than the ones in the US. I found this interesting shirt-- who doesn't want a little rascal like Bart Simpson in their family?
Masami and I didn't realize we were on the 3rd floor at the time and were surprised when we saw the numbers for "4th floor"-- Apparently we entered the mall on the 3rd floor! We turned right back around on the escalators and made our way to the Pokemon Center!! While my aunt went to check which side it was on, I kept walking towards the shop of Nintendo's great profit-- I had remembered from 4 years ago. I didn't even realize that Masami was checking the map. (^ o^; )
I kept taking pictures on the outside-- You can't take picture from the inside, but Masami helped a lot with taking pictures of me with the store. Once I made it inside, I was happy to see that there were only a handful of people in there-- I could run around left and right without bothering other people! With a big smile on my face, I turned to my aunt saying (in slightly broken Japanese) "Ima, watashiwa shindara mo OK desu. Ureshii!", translating to: "If I died right now, I'd be okay with it. I'm happy!" Masami laughed in response as we began meandering through the store.
I actually ended up spending a little less than I thought I would on gifts for friends and myself-- under $200! I thought I would hit $200... Deheh.. Guess I get to spend more the next time I visit! I might even make it to the Tokyo Pokemon Center or even the Osaka one if I get lucky!
Afterwards, Masami and I went a grabbed a quick bite at McDonald's since we wanted to catch the 3o'clock train for home and it was already after 2. I had a "Crispy Chicken Burger"-- a lot like the McChicken in the US. The burgers here are actually prepared to look the way they're advertised! (excuse my small chubby hand~)
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Around dinner time that night, Shonen TV was on (yes, Shonen Jump has their own show~)! They were reviewing a Toriko game (hints the silly cosplayer on the right) and discussing how there are secret monsters to fight (and eat!). They even challenged two of their celebrities to find a Giant Wood Panda creature. It took them more than one try, but they managed to do it successfully after receiving a hint through a man singing on a wheelie cart with a giant squid painted on. XD
After Toriko, it was time for NARUTO SHIPPUUDEN. SO EXCITE. They voice over a chapter (from the manga) from a random Shonen Jump series and this week was Naruto-- How lucky for me (it's my favorite)! They did the chapter/flashback where Naruto is born and where "The Masked Man" villain makes his first true appearance in the timeline. It was fun.. but sad since right before Naruto's mother, Kushina dies. D,:
B-But!! After they finished the "Vomic" (voice + comic), they showed the artist for Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto!!! I was super happy and fan girly all day~. He was drawing, which made me even happier. I love watching people draw, so being able to watch Kishimoto-sensei draw was a treat! Masami laughed at me because I recorded the Yomic section and the Kishimoto Drawing section. (>//v//<)
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For tonight's dinner, Masami prepared Teriyaki chicken! The side dish on the right is an egg pudding-- When I was younger, I had to practically bite my tongue to eat it, but this time I was able to eat it without making any faces!! Funny how taste buds change over time~ My cousins and I all ate together and soon after, watched Miyazaki's Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (lit. The Spiriting away of Sen and Chihiro), or as known in the US: Spirited Away. I honestly hadn't seen this movie since I first saw it when I was in 4th grade or so, but it was nice listening to the voices! I was compairing the English and Japanese voices in my head-- I actually enjoy Haku's (male lead) English voice over his Japanese voice. The English version actually did a good job at finding a voice match for Kamajii, the Boiler Room Spider-like operator.
Namba-san didn't make it home until 1am! I felt really sorry for him as everyone else was passed out before he got home. Masami passed out during the movie. Mireka clung to me like a baby koala during most of the movie-- so cute! Miriya was watching the movie/playing games on his handheld game system. Miina's eyes never left the tv screen XD She slowly crept to and from the tv screen while sitting though. I managed to make myself hop into the shower before bed. It was a long day for everyone!
SO JEALOUS YOU WENT TO THE STUDIO GHIBLI STORE. OMG YOU GOT ME SOMETHING? hdsgjkdsfhk hjk!!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love Japanese television. x) I do. So hilarious. I wish American television shows were just as good.
Do you not like egg pudding?
Sounds like such a wonderful time. So adventurous ^3^
YES I DID AND YES I DID. IT HAD YOUR NAME WRITTEN ALL OVER IT (in my mind).
ReplyDeleteIt's the best. XD Where gaijins say "what" and we respond with "It's normal"
Not that much... I like purin, but egg pudding is a little...
I hope there is a time we are both in Japan and can see each other!